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Introduction to text abbreviations
In marketing, text abbreviations help communicate the right message to the customer while keeping it short and sweet. Often, businesses struggle with delivering the message while staying within the character limit. Businesses can streamline communication with their customers in fewer words without diluting their value using text abbreviations.
Over 48% of customers prefer communication over text messaging to any other form of communication and over 90% prefer text messaging over phone calls, per a survey.
What are text abbreviations?
Text abbreviations are also known as text acronyms. These are the shortened versions of phrases that are usually expressed as ‘letters’ to save time. These are very helpful in improving day-to-day business communication while keeping the message within the prescribed word/character limit.
Even though text abbreviations came into existence very recently, their origin can be traced back to the early texting days when users came up with creative ways to speed up written communication. Social media followed suit and users began to use them intensively for keeping their posts within the set character limit.
Businesses have adopted them to foster bite-sized engagement styles with their Gen Z and millennial customers. Even though they may seem grammatically incorrect and confusing, they have carved themselves a place in a business setting and are here to stay. Especially, marketers are using them abundantly to adjust their brand messaging and appeal to their target audience. Any business can rely on text abbreviations and use them in different forms of business communication such as –
- SMS marketing campaigns
- Online conversations
- web chats
- Emails
- Social media posts
- Promotions
- Presentations
The professional use of text abbreviations helps businesses save time and also connect with their employees in a less formal way.
Why Text abbreviations?
In this new age, who has the time to go through lengthy messages? It’s safe to assume that most users will give a business message/text a maximum of 10-15 seconds, that’s the window to catch your customers’ attention and keep them engaged. Text abbreviations go a long way in helping you achieve just that. They help in avoiding the repetition of words while establishing an informal connection with the users. In this age with a much-shortened attention span, text abbreviations are a great way to grab users’ attention while saving time.
In this article, we will explore how to implement text abbreviations in business messaging to stay relevant and improve your business communication.
20+ common text abbreviations for businesses
Text abbreviations can be a little tricky to remember and they most definitely should have their own unique dictionary. Every year, a whole set of text acronyms or slangs come into existence. If you want to stay relevant in these fast-changing times, it is best to stay updated with them.
Here is a cheat sheet of top text abbreviations that you can use for business text messaging.
EOD: End of Day
Dear customer, greetings of the day! Our year-end sale is only until EOD. See you at our store!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Question
Thank you for contacting [Business Name] customer service. One of our support specialists will reach out to you shortly. In the meantime, feel free to check out our FAQ section at [link].
AKA: Also Known As
Dear customer, we are pleased to inform you that our customer support officers are available on Facebook AKA FB to address your queries.
ASAP: As Soon As Possible
Hello! Thanks for contacting us.
We’ve received your message and appreciate you reaching out.
One of our support specialists will reach out to you ASAP. Feel free to check out our FAQ section on [link].
DIY: Do It Yourself
Greetings from [Business Name]! Learn About DIY plumbing in the comfort of your home by clicking on the [link]. Not every plumbing job needs a licensed plumber!
N/A: Not Available
Dear customer! Our head dentist is N/A in the office today till 6 pm. We apologize for the inconvenience.
OOO: Out Of Office
Hello, and thanks for your email. I’m currently OOO. If your request is urgent, please contact our customer care officer at [email protected] I’ll be sure to get back to you shortly
TIA: Thanks In Advance
Frank, we see that you are eyeing this gadget (link). Use the link to checkout in one click. TIA! Happy Shopping!
TBA: To Be Announced
[Keynote speaker] will be returning to the event at the end of the year! Event dates are TBA but stay tuned for more information and updates.
COB: Close Of Business
Hi client [name]! We will prepare the detailed financial contract by Tuesday COB. Let us know if you have any doubts. Thanks.
DM: Direct Message
Our customer care executives are experiencing a high call volume at the moment. You can also DM us your concern on Instagram for a quick response. Thanks!
FYI: For Your Information
Hey [customer name], your shopping cart misses you. Check out our newly launched products on our website. FYI, do subscribe to our email newsletter to stay updated with the latest news & offers.
ICYMI: In case you missed it
ICYMI, our weekend sale has been extended until the end of the month! Show this message at any of our retail stores and get an extra 30% off your purchase.
FTFY: Fixed that for you
Dear customer, this is a reminder that your appointment is successfully rescheduled to Wednesday at 5 pm. There, FTFY!
MMS: Multimedia Messaging Service
Hello there! We have sent a unique 5- to 6-digit number that your business can use to send instant MMS messages. Please bookmark it for future use.
SMS: Short Message Service
Hi! We are delighted to have you onboard. If you want to keep receiving SMS notifications, respond with Y or else N. Thanks!
TYVM: Thank you very much
Dear John! We hope you liked our services after your visit to the clinic today. If you are happy with the services, do leave a review on Google and get 10% on your next appointment. TTVM!
WIP: Work in progress
Dear customer, sorry for the inconvenience. Our website is currently WIP & we will be back shortly. You can check our Facebook store to place an order in the meantime. Have a good day!
T&C: Terms and conditions
Hi [customer name], we have received your request to renew your member subscription. We urge you to check our updated T&Cs before making the payment on the website. Thank you!
W/O: Without
Hi [customer name]! Thanks for writing to me. I’m currently OOO until September W/O access to email. Kindly reach out to Ariana at 555-333-222.
TYT: Take your time
Dear Anne, we have shared the details of the business proposal that you requested. Please TYT to go through the details and send us your confirmation for the same whenever possible. Awaiting your response!
ETA: Estimated time of arrival
Hey George! We’d like to inform you that your package has been dispatched from our warehouse. We will share an ETA as soon as it is out for delivery. Thanks!
POC: Point of contact
We received your email regarding your concern. My name is Ezra and I’ll be your POC to help you with a swift resolution. Thank you for choosing [company name].
IM: Instant message
Hey Marie! Thanks for your email. I am out of the office right now and will not return until mm/dd.
For immediate assistance, you can drop me an IM on this [link]. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
LMK: Let me know
Marie, thank you for booking your dental appointment at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, Aug. 22. Please text CONFIRM or CANCEL. LMK if you need to reschedule by calling 555-555-5555. |
Best Practices for using text abbreviations in business communication
Using text abbreviations may seem self-explanatory but it is always recommended to be mindful of guidelines on using them correctly and for the right occasion. Below are the best practices to follow while using text abbreviations to create maximum impact –
- Keep it simple: Avoid cramming too many text abbreviations in one text message. It will impact the relevancy of the message and look rude to the customer. No one wants to read something that goes like, “Hey, Sup! FTFY. Enjoy.”
- Stay professional: Be creative but stay professional while you are at it. You can creatively convey your message with the help of GIFs and images as well. Make sure to keep your messages family-friendly.
- Stay mindful of your audience: Remember to assess your audience first. If your target group is a wide demographic, then it is best to tailor your message to a particular segment. Younger customers rely on texting more. Also, text abbreviations are a more informal way of communication. Text abbreviations and acronyms will be more relatable if you are posting on social media.
- Watch those spellings: One can easily get confused with abbreviations that have similar spellings. Make sure to double-check everything before hitting the send button or you will end up embarrassing yourself. For instance, you do not want to type COD (cash on delivery), instead of COB (close of business).
- Avoid overusing some abbreviations: Avoid overuse of some text abbreviations that convey gratitude or words of kindness to the customers. You might end up leaving a wrong impression.
- Avoid using shorthand: While it is tempting to use text abbreviations for saving time, don’t follow this approach throughout your message. Using shorthand like ‘U’ for ‘you’ or ‘Gr8’ for ‘great’ looks highly unprofessional. Your customers are not likely to take you and your business seriously.
Mistakes to avoid while using text abbreviations
Text abbreviations are easy to use but you can go wrong if you are not careful. Make sure to avoid these mistakes while navigating your business communication and stay relevant –
- Don’t overuse them: While it is ok to incorporate text abbreviations in your business communication, avoid overusing them. It is alright to use corporate jargon, but using too many abbreviations in one message may end up alienating or confusing your customers. Text abbreviations may pose as a double-edged sword so use them in moderation. On the safer side, limit your message to one or two text abbreviations to maintain relevancy and brevity. Make sure to maintain texting etiquette while communicating with people.
- Beware of dated slang: The cardinal rule of using text abbreviations is to stick to familiar ones and never use those that you are not sure about. Also, ensure that they are business appropriate, or else you will risk coming across as unprofessional. Do not give in to the trends blindly.
Conclusion
Running marketing campaigns may seem difficult but not anymore. Text abbreviations offer great convenience in personalizing communication with your customers. If you are not sure how to use them, you can start small and incorporate a couple of them in your business messaging campaigns to add a formal touch.